Capitol Prepares Rotunda Ceremony

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

Updated on: July 27, 1998 / 12:48 PM
/ CBS

The Capitol building is a small town within the city of Washington. Everybody thereÂ—the elected officials, the support personnel the firemen, the journalists assigned thereÂ—all know one another, if not by name, at least by face.

The two slain officers, Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson, were well known to people at the Capitol, and those people are determined that the officers' bravery be remembered in some special way.

"From the outset, the United States Congress and the congressional leadership pledged that these officers would be properly recognized for sacrificing their lives so that others may live," said Capitol Police Chief Gary Abrecht. "To that end, a congressional tribute honoring officer Jacob J. Chestnut and Detective John M. Gibson will be held in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol. "

There will be no business at the Capitol Monday. The members of the House and Senate will go to the floor of the House and Senate to give tributes to the officers.

Tuesday, their coffins will be placed beneath the Rotunda, where the public can pass by and pay their respects. Only 25 other people have had their coffins viewed in the Rotunda in the history of the United States. Abraham Lincoln was the first to be honored in this way. The only other law-enforcement official was J. Edgar Hoover.

At 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, a memorial service will be held for the officers, families, members of the Capitol Hill police, and members of Congress. The vice president and president will attend, CBS News has learned. Flags, which are at half-staff, will remain so, at least through Tuesday.